Authors lead inspiring workshops

Authors Nette Hilton and John Heffernan chat with West Moreton Anglican College students (from left) Luke Bailey, Tracey Bergin, Jack Thomas and Charlie Cooper during one of their writing workshops at the school.Rob Williams

PROVIDING inspiration to the next generation of writers, popular Australian children’s authors John Heffernan and Nette Hilton have led a series of workshops.

West Moreton Anglican College Junior School Teacher Librarian Michelle Witheyman-Crump said it was the fifth year the authors had visited the school.

Mrs Witheyman-Crump said the authors had led introductory sessions at the school about themselves, their books and their inspirations, as well as conducting writing workshops with each of these classes.

She said the sessions were designed to help prepare students for the narrative writing task in the Year Three and Five NAPLAN testing, which will take place in May.

Mrs Witheyman-Crump said the school’s connection to Mr Heffernan began in 2005 when the NSW-based author and farmer spoke at the Ipswich Festival of Children’s Literature.

“The kids are so inspired by him,” she said.

“He has an academic background and has run a successful sheep property, so kids from both the city and country can relate to him.”

Mr Heffernan is the brains behind titles such as Stinky: The Tale of a Smelly Dog and A Horse Called Elvis.